Sedans might be facing a popularity contest against SUVs, especially in the luxury segment. However, to think they are fading away is to ignore the sheer excellence and variety of luxury sedans available today. The 2020 Audi S7 stands tall amongst these exceptional vehicles. After spending considerable time driving the S7 across diverse terrains, including bustling New York and New Jersey suburbs and embarking on a road trip, the word that resonated most profoundly was “magnificent”—albeit with a slight caveat. The S7 embodies subtle grandeur, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate understated luxury and rewarding themselves with refined performance without ostentation.
The Audi S7 is best understood as the more spirited sibling of the A7, itself a fastback iteration derived from the A6, Audi’s quintessential sedan. For those seeking even greater performance, the RS7 elevates the experience further with a more potent V8 engine—a feature no longer available in the S7—and a hint of Porsche DNA, sharing its platform with the esteemed Panamera within the Volkswagen Group.
With a price tag of $89,990 as tested, the 2020 S7 certainly occupies a premium position. Yet, within the broader luxury saloon landscape, it strikes a harmonious balance. It’s “not too fast” in a way that sacrifices daily drivability, “not too fancy” to appear gaudy, and “not too sporty” to compromise on comfort. The S7 is tailored for individuals who have achieved success but prefer understated elegance over flashy displays, while still desiring exhilarating speed and engaging cornering capabilities.
Considering the price spectrum of competitors targeting a similar clientele, the 2020 Audi S7 emerges as “not too” expensive, offering significant value within its class.
Exquisite Design: A Head-Turning Set of Wheels
True to Audi’s reputation for sophisticated design, the 2020 S7 is undeniably attractive. The test model, finished in “Navarra Blue Metallic,” was simply stunning. The “Rotor Gray” interior complemented the exterior hue, creating a visually dynamic and cohesive aesthetic. The fastback silhouette of the S7 is particularly noteworthy. While fastback designs are increasingly common in sedans, sometimes leading to a sense of uniformity, the S7 executes this style with exceptional grace.
In the 2020 S7, the fastback form imparts an impression of continuous motion, a fluid elegance that flows seamlessly from the front to the rear. Describing the S7’s styling as “tailored” might seem like a cliché, particularly with the inclusion of the $1,750 “Black Optic” exterior package, yet it accurately captures the bespoke feel of its sheet metal. The optional 21-inch wheels, featuring a distinctive “V” spoke design, served as the perfect finishing touch, enhancing its athletic stance.
Even at a standstill, the 2020 Audi S7 projects an aura of poised readiness, hinting at its latent power and agility. While its size might preclude it from being a pure sports sedan, it avoids the excessive plushness of an executive limousine. The S7 evokes the image of a retired Olympic downhill skier—successful and refined in their post-athletic life, yet still possessing the inherent capability to conquer challenging terrains. This duality perfectly encapsulates the S7’s character: sophisticated yet capable, luxurious yet performance-oriented.
Potent Performance: The Turbo V6 Delivers
Powering the 2020 Audi S7 is a 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, producing a robust 444 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. This meticulously engineered engine reflects Audi’s commitment to precision, even down to questioning whether the torque figure was actually 443.49 lb-ft and deliberately not rounded up to match the horsepower figure—a testament to Germanic attention to detail. This power is channeled through Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system, paired with a seamlessly shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, complete with paddle shifters for those desiring manual control.
Further enhancing responsiveness is a 48-volt electric forced induction unit integrated into the drivetrain. This mild-hybrid technology provides on-demand boost, significantly improving turbocharger performance and minimizing lag. In real-world testing, the 2020 S7 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds—more than adequate for a vehicle of this caliber. Fuel economy is respectable for its performance class, rated by the EPA at 18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined using premium gasoline.
During a 250-mile round trip to the Catskills, the 2020 S7 demonstrated its touring capabilities. Even with additional driving around suburban New Jersey, fuel consumption was manageable, highlighting a surprising level of efficiency for a performance-oriented, all-wheel-drive sedan. While not economical in the strictest sense, the S7 offers a commendable balance between power, performance, and fuel consumption.
Interior Excellence: Basically Perfect Cabin
Stepping inside the 2020 Audi S7 reveals an interior that prioritizes comfort and sophistication without unnecessary flamboyance. Diamond-stitched Valcona leather upholstery and tasteful ash wood trim provide subtle indications of its luxury pedigree, but the overall ambiance adheres to Audi’s design philosophy of “less is more.” This understated elegance is juxtaposed with a surprisingly generous cargo capacity of 25 cubic feet, enhancing its practicality.
From the meticulously stitched, perforated leather steering wheel to the comfortably spacious rear seats and the panoramic moonroof, the 2020 S7 evokes a sense of understated success. Unlike BMW, which often emphasizes driver engagement, or Mercedes, which focuses on opulent indulgence, Audi adopts a form-follows-function approach. The S7’s interior is designed to facilitate seamless interaction between driver and machine, prioritizing intuitive usability and refined comfort.
This focus on functionality does not come at the expense of visceral appeal, which the S7 delivers in its driving dynamics and technological prowess. The technology within the 2020 Audi S7 is a defining characteristic, exemplifying Audi’s leadership in automotive innovation.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Best in the Business
The 2020 S7 integrates Audi’s acclaimed MMI infotainment system with the innovative “Virtual Cockpit.” This digital instrument cluster transforms into a customizable display, allowing drivers to prioritize information. Setting the display to navigation mode places the GPS map directly in the driver’s line of sight, enhancing situational awareness and ease of navigation.
The central infotainment touchscreen is large and highly responsive. Below it, a secondary touchscreen manages climate controls and doubles as an input interface for other vehicle functions. The S7 test model showcased a fingertip-stylus input method for navigation, which proved remarkably effective, allowing drivers to input commands without significantly diverting their gaze from the road. The system accurately interprets handwriting, even while steering, demonstrating its practical utility.
Beyond navigation, the 2020 S7 offers seamless Bluetooth pairing, USB connectivity, wireless charging, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system that delivers exceptional sound quality within the Audi’s well-insulated cabin. Audi’s infotainment system has consistently been recognized as industry-leading, having earned “Infotainment System of the Year” awards multiple times. For users who prefer alternative interfaces, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are readily available.
Refined Dynamics: A Smooth Cruiser with a Sporting Edge
The 2020 Audi S7 masterfully balances refinement and dynamism. While not overtly youthful or aggressive, the “S” designation and Sportback silhouette inject a significant dose of sportiness into the sedan formula, making it far from conventional. This balance caters perfectly to discerning drivers who appreciate both luxury and engaging performance.
The 2020 S7’s comprehensive execution from design to engineering results in a vehicle that is genuinely addictive. While the engine start-stop system might not always elicit immediate excitement, the anticipation of driving and experiencing the S7’s capabilities is consistently rewarding. Its freeway cruising prowess is exceptional, and with a simple adjustment of the drive mode selector, it transforms into a capable and enthusiastic performer on winding roads.
Criticisms of the 2020 Audi S7 are minimal. Its primary attribute—extreme composure—might be perceived as a drawback by those seeking raw, untamed excitement. However, the S7’s sophisticated control and stability are arguably more desirable in the long run. For those who might initially perceive the S7 as overly restrained, a test drive will quickly dispel any notions of it being merely “mellow and mannered.” The 2020 Audi S7 offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and technology, making it a truly magnificent—and highly recommendable—luxury sedan.
